Another late night, another run through the usual places. In the shadow of such a dead night as before, it was refreshing to see signs of life in my hunting grounds. The storm had indeed come, many people were roaming, searching for adventure, fame, and riches.
Quickly calling out for help from a fellow thief, we set out on our own little quest for riches, deep into the dungeon of Despise.After a brief folly that forced my partner to retreat, and not seeing a chance to break free of the area, I move in closer. Their guard is down now that they believe they've outed the only thief here. I close in on my unsuspecting prey, the scrolls would usually be my target but there's a more pressing prize in my sights. An unblessed, non-cursed Jaana's Staff, and I intend to use the chaos of the battle to take it for my own. Being that it is so light, and that the owner is obviously a mage, my chances of disarming it and taking it are close to 100%, a very tempting situation.
I pick an opportune moment and make my move!
In one swift stroke their weapon falls from their hand and I reach to take it for my own!. This was completely unexpected, every advantage is on my side, nothing could stop me now!
Aww crap...Instead of the grand steal I manage to elbow my mark in the face then stand in shock for a moment while I realize that in my haste I've forgotten to disarm my spellbook. I'm now face to face with no less than 4 of my foes, a very large dragon, and a quite pissed off looking horse. I attempt to flee, but to no avail, in my shock at the failure of such a sure victory, I had wasted nearly half a minute where I could have easily gotten away.
My halfhearted attempt at escape doesn't make it very far, I very quickly find myself taking a short dirtnap. Thankfully a kind old man near the dungeon enterence heard my pleas for help and pulled me back from the void. Shaken, a bit depressed, but not defeated yet, i brush the blood and dirt off my clothes and make my way back inside.
I had missed my opportunity at this time, at least for the prize I had my eyes on, but I was quite happy to take the consolation prize of 60,000 gold that was in the process of being looted, plus a few unguarded 110 scrolls that wouldn't be missed. I scamper off to lock my pickings away, and to put on something a bit more solid than the torn remnants of my old suit. My intuition tells me this night isn't over yet, and I'm far from giving up.
I make my way back down, my intuition has not betrayed me, this group of adventurers seems intent on eradicating all vermin from the face of Sorsaria. This time the dungeon itself betrays me, as calm and prepared as I was, a large hole suddenly opened under my feet right as I take a step towards the altar. *FOOM!* I attempt to put out the fire that had taken hold of my clothing, but to no avail, now staring down a very large pack of hellhounds, and some quite angry magic wielding rats, I very quickly made myself re-acquainted with the dungeon floor.
My crys for pity, and screams of agony were once again answered by the same kind old man, who though puzzled as to why I would re-enter such a place, was more than willing to treat my wounds.
Re-entering this horrific place, I find that I'm too late, everyone is already gone, and counting their spoils. I decide to wait a short while and see if my thoughts from earlier were still correct. It pays off! A powerful warrior enters and sends forth their challenge to the champion of the dungeon. Creatures seemingly start pouring in from nowhere, perhaps transported from another realm to which the great champion Barracoon calls his home. I nimbly dodge a series of poison fields and make my way carefully around the traps and rats, and bide my time until the others arrive.They make quick work of the rats, and he meets an end that draws an eerie sense of deja-vu to my mind. Most immediately turn to escape from the newly opened gateway, a few stay behind to collect the spoils. I move in closer once more...
A glimpse of white catches my eye. Could it be? A legendary scroll of anatomy! My fingers sweat, but he's still distracted, still looting the recently fallen champion. Play it cool, play it calm..reach softly...and...
It falls into my hands! my adversary quickly realizes what has happened, and turns with murderous intent. My escape was however already planned, and my knowledge of the arcane assured me that his choice of attacks would be his downfall.
With all haste I make my way across the bridge, ignoring all traps. He would not be immobile for long, this had to be quick. I quickly dart towards the least traveled path, it wouldn't be long now before I can slip back into the shadows and be gone, all I need is the extra second away from his direct sight.
I had done it! The prize in hand I return to the moderate safety of the shadows, and proceed to take the slow, careful way towards the cave exit. Once free of the dreaded place, I hide myself in a dark corner and open a gate to the safety of my keep, in the peaceful town of Skara Brae
Once again this adventure ends in my favorite chair, and I celebrate and take a well deserved rest.
-Janus Kerykeion